News

Desert sand, microplastics, cancer cells: David Clases awarded ERC grant for analytical method

Nanoparticles trapped in polar ice can reveal a great deal about the climate 100,000 years ago. Chemist David Clases is developing unique methods to analyse them in detail. He will now adapt these methods for use with larger particles in order to glean even more information about Earth’s history. The method can be used for a wide range of other purposes – for example, in medical diagnostics or the investigation of environmental pollution. Clases has been awarded a Proof-of-Concept Grant by the European Research Council (ERC) for this work.

Application for the Erasmus+ BIP in Madrid (Spain, October 2026)

In October 2026, the European University in Madrid (Universidad Europea de Madrid) will host an English-language Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP): Computational Tools in Biopharma: Driving Innovation in Drug Discovery

Building biological bridges: Chemist discovers an ecological tool for the pharmaceutical industry

Building a relationship on a solid foundation is also important in chemistry. To produce medicines, disinfectants or plant protection products, stable bonds between carbon atoms must be formed. Conventional chemical methods rely on environmentally harmful reagents and solvents to carry out the desired reaction. This process also produces unusable by-products. Chemist Lilla Gal has discovered an enzyme that enables the same process to take place efficiently and sustainably. The results of her research were recently published in the prestigious journal Angewandte Chemie.

Electrons and AI: New approaches to the search for new medicines

Researchers at the University of Graz are revolutionising the development of new medicines by combining electrochemistry and artificial intelligence. Thanks to smart optimisation, the search for new active ingredients will in future be faster, more sustainable and safer.

A special honour for special achievement: six "Sub auspiciis" awards for Graz University of Technology and the University of Graz

Top marks at school, outstanding academic achievement during their studies: six researchers from Graz – from Graz University of Technology and the University of Graz – were awarded their doctorates on 13 March 2026 ‘sub auspiciis Praesidentis rei publicae’. On behalf of the Austrian Federal President, University of Graz Rector Peter Riedler and Graz University of Technology Rector Horst Bischof presided over the conferment ceremony in the auditorium of the Old University of Graz. On 18 March, the candidates Hannah Brunner, Samuel Hörmann and Thomas Steiner (Graz University of Technology) as well as Christian Bundschuh, Peter Hartmann and Lena Parigger (University of Graz) will be presented with the honorary ring at the Hofburg in Vienna – personally by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.

Award for female researchers: University of Graz impresses at the SPIRIT Award

On February 10, 2026, the SPIRIT Award for WOMEN in SCIENCE was presented for the second time—an award for outstanding female researchers in Styria. The winners, including Raquel Gonzalez de Vega from the University of Graz, impressed with innovative projects ranging from the detection of microplastics to revolutionary blood diagnostics.

New AI Method Revolutionises the Design of Enzymes

Researchers at TU Graz and the University of Graz can use the technology to construct artificial biocatalysts. These new enzymes are significantly faster, more stable and more versatile than previous artificial biocatalysts.

Ganz schön sauber: nachhaltige Herstellung von Kunststoffen, Kosmetika und Medikamenten